We deep-ripped for several years, and planted cover crops of winter rye (good root system).

Quit ripping three years ago-------began paraplowing-------hardly any surface disturbance.  Only paraplowed about 2 small fields this year.  Soil has been exceedingly soft.

Based upon some reading plus comments on this forum by those who were already doing "slotting"--------we ran a modified deep ripper thru standing crops, about 8-10 inches, and also put liquid fertilizer down about 5-6 inches.

Based upon what we were doing, our "advisor" had others do the same.

Our root systems-----in all the lack of water conditions we had this year-------and those of the others were some of the best ever, plus our plants did not show hardly any drought-stress. 

I am guessing that the "slotting" had little to do with any breaking of hardpan------because we did not show any.  Rather, it allowed oxygen to get deeper, plus allowed a path for the surface water to go deeper quicker---------which in this year probably was a big help, allowing the water to not evaporate as rapidly.

Based upon one year---------no scientific experimentation--------and conditions which will only be replicated never again. 

Who knows for sure if it helped--------but the roots were really deep and full, and at others' farms unrelated to ours. 

We'll do it again next year--------theory seems to be sound, and we need to put liquid fertilizer deep at that time and place anyway.  Seems to be a good hedge against tight soils being tighter due to uncontrollable wet conditions, and against an unforeseen dry year, where periodic rains need to get into the soil profile more quickly, as compared to having to find channels thru crusts created by prior rains and powdery soil surfaces.

(Any guarantees or warranties will be provided only upon the payment of severely significant moneys being passed in this direction!!)